She couldn't be certain if the maid was telling the truth, but recalling everything from the past, the probability of her speaking the truth was quite high.
On the day she left, this was the only servant who had cried her heart out.
“Your Highness, you are the only one with succession rights. When you were banished, there were still many supporters inside the palace. The ministers knew that killing you directly would incite unnecessary anger, and forcing the King to act against his own daughter would also cause a very negative reaction. Amidst the constant pressure and compromise from both sides, His Majesty eventually chose to exile you to the Border Forest. However, the several powerhouses who were supposed to accompany you were reassigned elsewhere under the manipulation of Lord Gor.”
“I see.”
It seemed having Tier 1 and Tier 2 warriors by her side had been problematic from the start.
Even if they were rejects from the Imperial Guard, it was strange for people of that strength to even enter the court.
While she couldn't rule out that Ellie and the others had high talent and were pre-selected, what difference was there between an ungrown genius and an ordinary person?
Ultimately, the ministers had done everything in their power to see her dead.
They had never intended for the princess to survive.
Exile was merely a nominal punishment, a formality that looked better than outright execution. Perhaps the King had been powerless; at least by sending the princess to the Border Forest, there was a sliver of hope for her survival.
High-tier magic beasts were indeed rarely seen on the outskirts of the forest.
“Let’s assume that’s the case for now.”
Xia Jin walked over to the bed nearby and sat down gently.
It was very springy, bouncing up and down.
Unfortunately, she couldn't actually enjoy it right now.
“I’ve already found forces to support me. Many lords in the north of the kingdom have raised their banners to join me, and... there are even lord's armies in the south contacting me in secret.”
Xia Jin winked at the maid.
She hadn't.
In reality, not a single lord in the southern part of the kingdom was on her side.
But Xia Jin still told this lie.
She couldn't confirm if the maid's words were true, nor could she be sure if the woman was trustworthy.
This sentence was merely a signal.
Sure enough, hearing this, the maid looked overjoyed. “Really? I thought after Your Highness fled to the Border Forest, you would have encountered danger or lived like a savage.”
Several dark lines appeared on Xia Jin's forehead. “What do you mean, live like a savage?”
But on second thought, she wasn't wrong.
She really was similar to a savage right now.
Well, she should be called a wild insect.
“Never mind. Take me for a walk around the area.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Following the maid out, the two began to walk through the palace.
As she knew, there were many people in the court, and general servants often didn't dare to ask questions when they saw a stranger. Those of high status generally didn't wander around aimlessly.
This led to a ridiculous scene where Xia Jin, despite being an outsider, walked openly through the palace.
It was a classic case of hiding in plain sight.
The two soon arrived at a hall.
Several nobles were dancing inside.
Xia Jin even recognized one of them—her brother's fiancée, a peerless beauty.
Unfortunately, her temperament didn't quite match Xia Jin's.
The moment they met, the girl's dance partner's eyes lit up. He picked up a glass of red wine from nearby and walked over.
“Beautiful lady, may I offer you a toast?”
“Hello, honorable sir.”
Xia Jin didn't refuse. She reached out, and a male valet immediately poured a small half-glass of wine and handed it to her.
They clinked glasses, and she took a very polite sip.
Seeing her impeccable royal court etiquette, the man was dazed.
“Lady, I wonder if I might have the honor of inviting you to dance?”
“My apologies, sir. I have some matters to attend to, so it is quite inconvenient today.” Xia Jin gave a slight bow.
“I see.” The man was somewhat disappointed and could only wave goodbye to her.
...
“As expected of the Princess.” The maid was practically swooning.
Who else could perform such flawless etiquette besides the little princess in her memories?
Those people would surely discuss Xia Jin's background in private.
Unfortunately, they were destined to find nothing, as this was merely a projection of the princess.
The two took a long walk through the building and finally arrived at the garden.
In the distance, a blonde noble girl was playing barefoot in the water by a fountain.
Xia Jin wasn't in the mood to join her. Instead, she sat on the nearby steps.
Hmm...
She took off her own shoes and dipped her feet into the transparent water.
“Princess, many people in the palace have already defected to the Empire. I think you should just live as an ordinary person somewhere far from the capital. Even I can feel that things are becoming precarious.”
“I understand.” Xia Jin nodded slightly.
In fact, after walking around, she already felt something was wrong.
It hadn't been that long, but during this return, the entire palace was filled with a large number of unfamiliar faces.
Though her understanding was limited, as a princess who had been exiled long ago, she couldn't look at this kingdom with the eyes of the past anymore.
“But thinking about it, this palace is actually quite easy to sneak into.”
She even had the thought of sending insects to attack directly.
But it was only for a fleeting moment before she suppressed the idea.
It couldn't be that simple. Her successful infiltration this time was likely... already sensed by the Tier 9 powerhouses in the court.
They simply hadn't made a move.
Of course, a Tier 9 didn't have the ability to hear voices from a distance; they had at most sensed her presence.
They wouldn't care about an ordinary girl, but it would be different if a swarm of insects arrived. If a Tier 9 powerhouse acted, their combat power would be absolutely insane.
At that level, she could forget about killing enemies above her rank. She truly didn't know how many insects it would take to pile up and kill one.
Rate on N.U.
